Russian Prime Minister Putin Dominates Four-Hour Forum, Hints at Political Future

During a virtuoso performance at a lengthy public forum in Moscow Thursday, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said he would "think about" another run for president, the New York Times reports. Asked whether he should take a break after his years of public service, Putin told the questioner, "don't hold your breath."

The forum, which lasted over four hours and included over 90 questions from Russian citizens, made clear that Putin is Russia's strongest leader, despite President Dmitri Medvedev holding the more powerful office. There has been much speculation in the United States that the "softer" Medvedev was chosen to allow Putin to keep his hands on the reigns, and that Putin would eventually find a way to return to power. Putin served two terms as president, the maximum allowed by Russia's laws that impose term limits.

When Medvedev asked if he would seek another term as president, he said he would collaborate with Putin on the decision. "As we both have said, we are close to one another, we understand one another and we work together," Medvedev said. "We will be able to agree in some way without elbowing each other aside, and make a reasonable decision for our country."